Things to do around Orlando area OTHER than Disney

[jabres]

Leaving on December 29th, and heading to the Orlando area for 10 days. Traveling with kids, 5 year old and 10 month old. Any "must do" type things within 2 hours of Orlando, OTHER than Disney parks?
We are going to spend a few days at the park, but need other neat things to do because that park drives me nuts going to it every day.
Also, will be traveling from Cincinnati, so any suggestions along the way would be great too. Valdosta area? Northern Florida? Atlanta?
Never been to the south in winter, so this is a bit new for me..
Thanks in advance!!

[chezhead]

Your 5 year old will love Legoland in Winter Haven!

[Big_Katuna]

Yes, I should have mentioned that. Especially weekends. It fills up early then there is a line. One car out one car in.

Also, when the wind picks up the ripples on water ruin the view.

[schlep1967]

+1 on Blue Springs State Park to see the manatees. Get there early if you can.

[gbopp]

I like to use Roadside America when traveling. Maybe you can find something interesting along your route.

[ACZL]

Orlando is a mess w/ construction. BTW, just asking now?

[Big_Katuna]

Hit the springs to see Manatees. Blue Springs or drive over to Crystal River area.
When it’s cooler they bunch up in the springs.

Canaveral Seashore if it opens up after the unnecessary shutdown. Lots of birds in the winter.

I detest it but everyone should do International Drive once.

[ford_truck_guy]

I second Kennedy Space Center, and Air Boat rides... there is a good one about 20 minutes from The Fort, If I remember the name I will post it later..

[VoodooMedicineM]

or Dixie Crossroads in Titusville

[Sam_Spade]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
Canaveral/Space center, Everglades maybe an airboat ride. Seaworld,
These 3 would top my list.

Good suggestions.
BUT....the Everglades is a long way away and you don't have to go that far to find an airboat ride.

This kind of a trip probably will be VERY stressful on a 10 month old. Hope you have taken that into consideration.

[VoodooMedicineM]

Bubba Gump Restaurant

[magnusfide]

We don't know what you're interests are but here's the TripAdvisor page of things to do around Orlando. They're sorted by category.
Things to do in and near Orlando.

TripAdvisor gives suggestions for other cities and towns as well.

[wanderingaimles]

Canaveral/Space center, Everglades maybe an airboat ride. Seaworld,
These 3 would top my list.